Kerala Intensifies Operation Toofan, Warns Drunk Drivers of Strict Action and Licence Loss

Kerala will expand its anti-narcotics campaign and intensify action against drunk driving, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Monday, citing public participation in police operations across the state.

Speaking to reporters, Chennithala said Operation Toofan had received public support and would be expanded further. He claimed drug use in Kerala had declined by more than 30 per cent, while violent incidents, murders and law-and-order problems had also decreased. The figures were cited by the minister; independently verified data establishing the reported decline was not provided in his statement.

The second phase, Operation Toofan 2.0, was launched on September 28 to extend anti-drug prevention and awareness activities to local-government wards. The initiative aims to increase community participation alongside police enforcement.

According to figures released in September, police had registered 10,918 cases and arrested 11,776 people under Operation Toofan by September 17. Seizures included approximately 23.9 kg of MDMA and 1,457 kg of cannabis. The government has also formed an anti-narcotics investigation team to pursue major drug-trafficking cases involving interstate networks.

Chennithala said he had held online meetings with district police chiefs and senior officers to strengthen the campaign across Kerala. The Director General of Police and the campaign’s nodal officers also attended the discussions.

The minister separately said police had apprehended around 10,000 people for drunk driving during vehicle inspections conducted across the state over two days. He warned that violations would attract strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act, including driving-licence cancellation, particularly in cases involving accidents.

With the festive season underway, police checks will be strengthened to prevent drunk driving and road accidents, he said.

Chennithala urged the public to continue supporting enforcement efforts, particularly the campaign against narcotics. The state’s expanded initiative combines police investigations with broader public participation to address drug-related activity.